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Nebraska Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite in Nebraska, a full recovery may feel impossible. An Advocate can help.

A Dog Bite Injury Attorney Can Help Your Case

Dogs are often referred to as man’s best friend, and in many cases, the label is true. However, dog bites can happen any time, anywhere, and they often leave lasting damage. Dog attack victims often face serious injuries, emotional trauma, and expensive medical bills.

The experienced Omaha dog bite attorneys with The Advocates are here to help. We understand the difficulties you are facing after your dog bite injury and are ready to assist you throughout the entirety of your recovery. We will be here to protect your legal rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and be your voice in the legal process.

If you or a family member suffered an animal attack in Omaha, Lincoln, or elsewhere in Nebraska and need a competent, caring attorney for your personal injury claim, contact The Advocates law firm today for a free consultation.

The Next Steps In Your Case

Injury

Immediately after your accident, check for injuries

Hire Attorney

Contact The Advocates as soon as possible to begin the road to recovery

Treatment

Seek medical attention as soon as you can

Medical Records

Keep track of any and all treatment you receive during recovery

Finish Treatment

Once you've completed treatment, your case can move forward

Demand

Your Advocate will send a demand letter to the other party

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every accident requires an attorney. However, if the accident resulted in injuries or significant property damage, it is a good idea to contact a lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the claims process, which can be lengthy and complex. Your attorney will build your case, keep track of your medical records, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Studies have shown that accident victims who hire a personal injury lawyer can receive settlements up to 3.5 times larger than if they settled on their own.

The best way to know if you have a case is to speak with an attorney. The Advocates offer free consultations—you can speak with a qualified legal team to understand what your case is worth without paying a dime. Once you have decided to hire an Advocate, we will investigate your accident to firmly establish liability.

Your initial consultation with us is always 100% free. There are never any upfront costs or hidden fees when you hire The Advocates.
Our attorneys work on a contingency basis, which means that our attorney fees are calculated as a percentage of your settlement. You will not pay us unless we win your case, and you receive a settlement.

Every personal injury case is different. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to accident claims. The length of the claims process will depend on the severity of your injuries, the willingness of the other party to settle, the court’s caseload, and more.
In general, personal injury cases can take anywhere from several months to a few years. It’s important to contact an attorney as soon as possible to get your case started. Each state has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, after which you will lose your right of action.

When you hire The Advocates, we will begin investigating your accident immediately while you finish medical treatment. Once all evidence and medical records have been compiled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the other party’s insurance company. At this point, negotiations will begin.
In many cases, a settlement can be reached during negotiations. If the other party refuses to make a fair offer, you may choose to file a suit. In the litigation phase, your attorney will represent you in court in front of a judge, jury, and/or arbitrator.

A Team of Legal Professionals Assigned to Your Case

For nearly 30 years, The Advocates have helped thousands of personal injury victims receive the compensation and care they deserve after their accidents, and we are prepared to do the same for you. 
We can help you:

  • Understand the claims process
  • Access medical care and other treatment such as physical therapy
  • Investigate your accident
  • Build your case
  • Negotiate with insurance adjusters

You only pay if we win your case!

Talking to a Professional

Talk to a professional

Nebraska Dog Bite Statistics

300,000 American visit the ER from dog bites every year

Nebraska dog attack statistics

  • In 2019, dog bite claims in Nebraska were worth more than $5.5 million
  • The most aggressive dog breeds are often thought to be pit bulls, rottweilers, and German Shepherd Dogs, but Chihuahuas, cocker spaniels, and terriers also make the list (however, attacks by large dogs are more likely to be fatal)
  • More than 300,000 Americans visit the emergency room as dog bite victims each year
  • Dog bites are particularly dangerous for children and elderly people, who may lack the strength and speed to get away from the dog

When do dog bites often happen?

Any dog has the capability to bite or attack unexpectedly, but certain situations present a much higher risk than others. Dog bites are most likely to happen when:

  • A dog is approached by a stranger: Dog bites often happen when a dog is frightened or feels cornered. Always get owner permission before approaching a dog you do not know
  • A human breaks up a dog fight: You may be seriously hurt in an attempt to break up a fight between two or more dogs. There are safe ways to break up a fight without putting yourself at risk
  • Aggressive dogs are unsupervised or unrestrained: In many places, dogs are required to be on leash. Even in designated off-leash areas, all dogs should be under close supervision of their owners
  • Dogs are not properly trained and socialized: Dogs who have not been properly socialized may resort to barking, lunging, or biting in order to get out of stressful situations
Stressed out dog being pet by too many people
Common dog bite injuries

Common dog bite injuries 

Dog bite injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Some common injuries dog attack injuries include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Eye and face injuries
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Bruising
  • Tissue and nerve damage

Nebraska Dog Bite Laws

Owner walks dog on a leash

Do dogs have to be on leash in public spaces?

Nebraska prohibits dogs running at large in counties of 80,000 or more inhabitants. Dogs are also required to have collars with tags identifying the owner. Many municipalities have their own leash laws as well, prohibiting dogs from running off-leash unless in a designated dog park or trail.
Dog owners are responsible for knowing and adhering to local laws and ordinances regarding pet ownership.

Are dog bites covered by insurance?

In most cases, dog bites are covered by the dog owner’s rental or homeowner’s insurance. Insurance should pay for bite victims’ medical expenses up to the liability limit. After the limit has been reached, the owner of the dog is responsible for additional damages.

Dog growls and show teeth to warn for a bite
Man trespasses onto property with 'no trespassing sign'

When is a dog owner responsible for a dog bite?

Nebraska observes strict liability when it comes to dog bites, under Nebraska Revised Statute 54-601.
This statute states that dog owners are liable for their dog biting any person other than a trespasser on their private property. 
The dog bite statute also covers property damage or other injuries caused by a dog. You generally will not have to prove negligence in order to recover damages, but you will need to be able to show that the dog caused your injuries and that you were not trespassing.

What is the statute of limitations for dog bites?

For any personal injury case, a plaintiff only has a certain amount of time to file their claim. After that time period is up, they lose their right of action. This is referred to as the statute of limitations.
In Nebraska, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 4 years. However, it is a good idea to file your claim much sooner than that. Personal injury cases can take a long time to settle, so it is a good idea to give yourself as much time as possible before the statute of limitations is up. As soon as you think you may have a case, contact a personal injury lawyer so they may begin working on your claim.

Attorney goes over paperwork with a client

When Should I Hire a Nebraska Dog Bite Attorney?

If you were injured by an aggressive dog, you likely have a lot on your plate. Between reporting the attack, seeking medical treatment, ensuring your bills are paid, and negotiating with insurance companies, the claims process can quickly become overwhelming.
Additionally, the dog owner’s insurance company will likely do whatever they can to avoid compensating you fairly for your injuries. Fighting insurance providers can be a stressful, upsetting experience, particularly if you attempt to do it alone.

The personal injury attorneys with The Advocates are committed to fighting for your rights. Our team is standing by to take care of your dog bite claim so you can focus on feeling better.
The Advocates personal injury law firm will be there to listen to your story, offer sound legal advice, and be your voice in the personal injury process. Contact us today for a free consultation. You deserve an attorney who truly cares about your recovery. You deserve an Advocate.

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